A former golf course in Worcester County is slated to become part of Pocomoke River State Park, after the Maryland Board of Public Works approved the acquisition of 212 acres along the Pocomoke River.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources will use Program Open Space funds to purchase the property, which will be repurposed to provide access to the Pocomoke River Water Trail as well as additional recreation opportunities.

“This acquisition will benefit Pocomoke River State Park as well as the Lower Eastern Shore watershed,” Maryland Natural Resources Secretary Mark Belton said. “By utilizing Program Open Space, we can enhance and expand our state park, providing even greater public access and recreation, while shoring up the rivers now and into the future.”

Portions of the Worcester County property will be allowed to reforest, to protect the water quality of Corbin Branch as well as the Pocomoke River.

Areas along the shoreline, which include coastal forests and marshes, may provide some natural resilience to climate and weather changes, be it erosion or flooding, by absorbing excess water, dampening currents and waves and stabilizing sediment.

“For more than 50 years, people have known Pocomoke River State Park is a special place,” Park Manager Cineva Smith said. “This expansion will protect our unique ecological treasures for future generations to enjoy.”